March – May 2018

“Come Hell or high water” was the phrase used by our first regatta chair, Brian Malone. This distance race is held in Hillsborough Bay, but don’t assume it is just an afternoon cruise. Test your navigation skills and plan to race even if the weather pipes up. This time of year is prone to fronts. In the internet age, most race decisions are made at the bar watching radar. You can plan to race this one and hone your heavy weather skills, so don’t shy away if there is a blow.

This race’s history dates back to 1946, but 2018 brings more excitement! We have now partnered with Naples Sailing and Yacht Club whose feeder race the week before (May 18-19) will bring additional competitors to our regatta. A 100-mile coastal race, Tampa Bay to Ft. Myers has everything from J-24s, multihulls, and 40′+ footers racing. Of course, the destination is fabulous finishing at Ft Myers Beach – one of the remaining “Old Florida” beach towns. All competitors departing from Tampa Bay compete for the Navigator’s Trophy donated by OH Rogers. It is awarded to the first boat to finish in any class.